We have heard it before…breakfast is the most important meal of the day.
Even if that is the case, there are still some who fail at engaging in breakfast, let alone a healthy breakfast.
There is still hope though – are you ready to make breakfast a part of your daily routine? There are some healthy, low-calorie foods to get you started each morning.
How many calories should you eat for breakfast?
First, it is wise to know how many calories you should ingest each morning for breakfast. Calorie intake for each individual person will be different based on health needs and goals.
In considering the calories that you may take in during lunch and dinner, between 300 to 500 calories for breakfast should be the target. This is especially the case if one of your health needs and goals is losing weight.
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How to determine your breakfast calorie count
To determine your calorie intake during breakfast, first, you need to consider the calories you need on average each day.
Your daily calorie intake should also be based on your daily activity level and your resting metabolic rate (RMR).
Keep in mind that the average calories differ between women and men as well, with calories estimated at a higher amount for men (between 2,000 to 3,000 per day on average). For women, the calories per day are 1,600 to 2,400.
To make it less complicated, many choose to divide the total calories per day up between breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
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Does eating low calorie breakfast foods help you lose weight?
What you decide to eat during breakfast is also important, especially if your goal is to lose weight. It is not proven that low calorie breakfast foods automatically mean healthy, but there are nutritious, healthy foods that assist with curbing cravings.
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Healthy breakfast ideas for weight loss
The following foods make great choices for a healthy breakfast to help you get closer to your weight loss goals:
- Bananas – Can satisfy your sweet tooth but with lower calories than other sugary breakfast foods; also high in fiber.
- Berries – There are a variety to choose from, including blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries; they are also low-calorie and high in nutrients; add them to your yogurt or oatmeal.
- Eggs – High in protein to help reduce your appetite; can be eaten in various ways, from scrambled to boiled.
- Grapefruit – High in fiber and water; a popular choice in many weight loss programs.
- Nuts – Contains heart-healthy fats, fiber, and protein; watch intake to not stack up the calories.
- Oatmeal – High in protein and fiber; add bananas or fruit to make it tastier and more satisfying.
- Smoothies – Easy, quick, and convenient to prepare each morning; make them with fruits and vegetables to get the nutrients you need.
- Wheat germ – Use as a topping for yogurt, smoothies, or oatmeal for extra fiber.
- Yogurt – Satisfying; Greek yogurt, particularly, is packed with protein per serving; can be combined with chia seeds, mixed fruit, or wheat germ.
Final words on breakfast calories
Coffee and green tea are also breakfast choices that can assist you with your weight loss. Coffee can boost your metabolism and burn fat the same way green tea is known to do.
With the multitude of breakfast choices, you’ll be on your way to meeting your personal and health goals.
The majority of these options have the ingredients that contribute to losing your appetite much quicker or burning fat, further contributing to weight loss.
So, what is the harm with setting aside the time to quickly prepare a filling breakfast to start off your day?